2009 Outlook
Mathew May is one of several players who stepped up at linebacker late in the 2008 season, and the walk-on performer is poised for a leading role on the Nebraska defense this fall. After an outstanding showing during spring practice, the 6-1, 215-pound May is among the top contenders for the starting job at the Will linebacker position. May moved from the defensive backfield to linebacker for the final three games and made a smooth transition.
2008 (Redshirt Freshman)
May appeared in eight games, including the final seven contests when Nebraska posted a 6-1 record. In addition to reserve work first at safety then linebacker, May was a contributor on Nebraska's kickoff and punt return units. He finished the year with six tackles, including three at Kansas State, after moving to linebacker earlier that week. He was credited with a forced fumble and a sack of KSU quarterback Josh Freeman in the game. He also had a fumble recovery against Colorado.
2007 (Redshirt)
May sat out his first season as a redshirt and worked on the scout team.
Before Nebraska (Chase County HS)
May had a standout senior season as a linebacker for Chase County High School. He tallied 104 tackles and four interceptions as a senior to earn Class C-1 all-state honors from both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald. He was also the team's leading rusher with nearly 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns, as the Longhorns reached the Class C-1 state quarterfinals one year after an appearance in the state championship game.
May ran the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes for the Chase County track team, as well as a leg on the 4x400 relay team, which finished with a silver medal in Class B at the state track meet in 2007.
Personal
Mathew is the son of Tim May and Tammy May and was born on March 18, 1988. He is majoring in business administration and is a two-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll selection. May has volunteered his time with Nebraska's local hospital visits, with the School is Cool Week at the F Street Recreation Center and the Legacy Retirement Center.